SEER is an authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. SEER currently collects and publishes cancer incidence and survival data from population-based cancer registries covering approximately 28 percent of the U.S. population.

Statistics at a GlanceShow More

At a Glance

Number of New Cases and Deaths per 100,000: The number of new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer was 11.2 per 100,000 men and women per year. The number of deaths was 2.5 per 100,000 men and women per year. These rates are age-adjusted and based on 2010-2014 cases and deaths.

Lifetime Risk of Developing Cancer: Approximately 1.1 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with oral cavity and pharynx cancer at some point during their lifetime, based on 2012-2014 data.

Prevalence of This Cancer: In 2014, there were an estimated 346,902 people living with oral cavity and pharynx cancer in the United States.

Survival StatisticsShow More

How Many People Survive 5 Years Or More after Being Diagnosed with Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer?

Relative survival statistics compare the survival of patients diagnosed with cancer with the survival of people in the general population who are the same age, race, and sex and who have not been diagnosed with cancer. Because survival statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. No two patients are entirely alike, and treatment and responses to treatment can vary greatly.

Percent Surviving5 Years

64.5%

Based on data from SEER 18 2007-2013. Gray figures represent those who have died from oral cavity and pharynx cancer. Green figures represent those who have survived 5 years or more.

Survival by Stage

Cancer stage at diagnosis, which refers to extent of a cancer in the body, determines treatment options and has a strong influence on the length of survival. In general, if the cancer is found only in the part of the body where it started it is localized (sometimes referred to as stage 1). If it has spread to a different part of the body, the stage is regional or distant.
The earlier oral cavity and pharynx cancer is caught, the better chance a person has of surviving five years after being diagnosed.
For oral cavity and pharynx cancer, 29.8% are diagnosed at the local stage. The 5-year survival for localized oral cavity and pharynx cancer is 83.7%.

Oral cavity and pharynx cancer represents 2.9% of all new cancer cases in the U.S.

2.9%

In 2017, it is estimated that there will be 49,670 new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer and an estimated 9,700 people will die of this disease.

Who Gets This Cancer?

Oral cancer is more common in men than women, among those with a history of tobacco or heavy alcohol use, and individuals infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). The number of new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer was 11.2 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2010-2014 cases.

Percent of New Cases by Age Group: Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer

Oral cavity and pharynx cancer is most frequently diagnosed among people aged 55-64.

Median AgeAt Diagnosis

63

SEER 18 2010-2014, All Races, Both Sexes

Number of New Cases per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer

All Races

White

Black

Asian /Pacific Islander

American Indian /Alaska Native

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

SEER 18 2010-2014, Age-Adjusted

Who Dies From This Cancer?

For oral cancer, death rates are higher among males, particularly those of African American descent. The number of deaths was 2.5 per 100,000 men and women per year based on 2010-2014 deaths.

Percent of Deaths by Age Group: Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer

The percent of oral cavity and pharynx cancer deaths is highest among people aged 55-64.

Median AgeAt Death

67

U.S. 2010-2014, All Races, Both Sexes

Number of Deaths per 100,000 Persons by Race/Ethnicity & Sex: Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer

All Races

White

Black

Asian /Pacific Islander

American Indian /Alaska Native

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

U.S. 2010-2014, Age-Adjusted

Trends in RatesShow More

Changes Over Time

Keeping track of the number of new cases, deaths, and survival over time (trends) can help scientists understand whether progress is being made and where additional research is needed to address challenges, such as improving screening or finding better treatments.

Using statistical models for analysis, rates for new oral cavity and pharynx cancer cases have been rising on average 0.6% each year over the last 10 years. Death rates have been stable over 2005-2014. 5-year survival trends are shown below the figure.

More About This CancerShow More

Cancer and the Oral Cavity and Pharynx

Figure: Oral Cavity AnatomyClick to enlarge.

Most lip and oral cavity cancers start in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells that line the lips and oral cavity. These are called squamous cell carcinomas. Cancer cells may spread into deeper tissue as the cancer grows. Squamous cell carcinoma usually develops in areas of leukoplakia (white patches of cells that do not rub off).

These stat facts focus on population statistics that are based on the US population. Because these statistics are based on large groups of people, they cannot be used to predict exactly what will happen to an individual patient. To see tailored statistics, browse the SEER Cancer Statistics Review. To see statistics for a specific state, go to the State Cancer Profiles.

The statistics presented in these stat facts are based on the most recent data available, most of which can be found in the SEER Cancer Statistics Review. In some cases, different year spans may be used. Estimates for the current year are based on past data.

Cancer is a complex topic. There is a wide range of information available. These stat facts do not address causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, or decision making, although links are provided to information in many of these areas.